Herbicides are chemical compounds used to control unwanted plant growth. They play a significant role in modern agriculture by controlling weeds that deplete soil nutrients and compete with desirable crop plants for resources. While herbicides applied to foliage have their uses, soil-applied herbicides offer advantages in controlling subterranean weeds and provide extended weed control. This article explores Soil Active Herbicides, their benefits, and considerations for safe and effective use.
Types of Soil Active Herbicides
Soil active herbicides fall broadly into two categories - pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before weed seeds have germinated or weeds have emerged from the soil. They typically work by inhibiting cell growth in root tips and shoots. Common pre-emergent herbicides include pendimethalin, trifluralin, and oxadiazon. They provide broad-spectrum control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.
Post-emergent herbicides are applied after weed seeds have germinated and weeds have emerged from the soil. They inhibit specific metabolic pathways in growing weed plants. Glyphosate is a widely used post-emergent herbicide that inhibits the shikimate pathway. Other examples are diquat, paraquat, and glufosinate. Post-emergent herbicides usually provide less residual control than pre-emergent herbicides.
Benefits of Soil Active Herbicides
Some key benefits soil active herbicides provide include:
- Extended weed control - Proper application allows herbicides to reside in the soil for weeks or months, providing residual control as new weed seeds germinate. This reduces the need for frequent re-applications.
- Control of hard-to-reach weeds - Subterranean and underground plant parts like roots and rhizomes that are beyond the reach of contact herbicides can still be controlled.
- Lower application rates - Less herbicide is required compared to foliar application since it is absorbed by both soil and weed.
- Compatibility with tillage - The area treated does not need to be kept undisturbed for herbicides to be effective unlike some contact herbicides.
- Cost-effective - Provides season-long control with fewer applications, reducing labor costs.
Factors Affecting Performance
While soil active herbicides are useful, their performance depends on various environmental and application factors:
- Soil texture - Herbicides bind better to small solid particles in silt loam or clay loam soils versus sandy or highly organic soils.
- Soil moisture - Herbicides require water to move down into the soil profile for maximum effectiveness. Low rainfall after application can reduce weed control.
- Temperature - Warmer soil temperatures aid herbicide movement into the root zone but some break down faster at high temperatures.
- Depth of application - Herbicides need to reside in the topfew inches where weed seeds germinate for good control. Deep application reduces effectiveness.
- Application method - Uniformly incorporating herbicides into the topsoil improves distribution versus surface application that relies on rainfall for movement.
Safety Considerations
Safe handling and use of soil herbicides requires following label instructions and taking precautions:
- Wear proper protective equipment like gloves, coveralls, and face shields when mixing and applying concentrated products.
- Store herbicides in their original labeled containers in a locked shed away from children and pets.
- Apply only intended rates - Higher than recommended rates do not improve control and increase hazards.
- Avoid spraying on windy days - Drift can damage non-target plants.
- Allow re-entry period to elapse before entering treated areas.
- Do not apply to frozen or snow-covered ground to prevent runoff.
In summary, soil-applied herbicides are a useful component of integrated weed management programs. When used judiciously following label guidelines, they provide effective and long-lasting control of many annual and perennial weeds. adopting recommended practices helps ensure their safe and sustainable use for agricultural production. Continued research into alternative active ingredients and application methods also promises to further enhance the benefits of this important class of herbicides.
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